Senate approves Keystone Pipeline bill

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Republican-controlled Senate has passed a bipartisan bill approving construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

The 62-36 vote on Thursday advanced a top priority of the newly empowered GOP, which championed the legislation despite a presidential veto threat. Keystone is the first of many battles with the White House over energy and the environment.

The measure fell short of the threshold needed to override a veto. It also needs to be reconciled with the House version.

The bill authorizes construction of the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline to carry oil primarily from Canada’s tar sands to Gulf Coast refineries.

Critics argue the $8 billion project would spell disaster for global warming. Supporters call it a jobs bill that would boost energy security.